Ancient Civilisations in the Modern Era – India and Africa

By Kirtan Bhana

21 February 2023

Like the African continent, the arbitrary partition of the Indian sub-continent by the colonialist occupation, and the impact of the monastic religions of Christianity and Islam, had a significant role in the history of these regions as well as the human development and progress. The ancient past and the recent post-colonial advancement, decolonisation and the modern epoch present dynamic opportunities for cooperation and mutually beneficial relations between these lands that straddle the Indian Ocean.

Multilingual education – a necessity to transform education

International Mother Language Day

21 February 2023

Globally 40 per cent of the population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. But progress is being made in multilingual education with growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling, and more commitment to its development in public life.

Nigeria General Election 2023: INEC Chairman Receives Mbeki-led Commonwealth Mission

21 February 2023

Ahead of the Presidential Elections which comes up in Nigeria on Saturday, February 25, the Chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), received in audience the Former President of South Africa, H.E Thabo Mbeki, who led the Commonwealth Observers Group to a working visit on Monday.

 2022 Talk Talk Korea contest calligraphy exhibition and workshop

22 February 2023

The Korean Cultural Center South Africa will hold a calligraphy exhibition for two months from 2022.12.28 (Wed) to 2023.2.28 (Tue). In the exhibition room, winners in the calligraphy category of the 2022 Talk Talk Korea 2022 contest hosted by the Korea Culture and Information Service were displayed, and award-winning works in the traditional play category were screened in the video room. Through the stylish calligraphy exhibition, various attractive Korean characters are introduced to foreigners, and various Korean traditional games such as yutnori and tuho throwing are introduced in the award-winning video.

Traditional Food As Indonesian Identity And Branding In Accredited Countries

By Tonny Hendriawan-Director of Indonesia Trade Promotion Center Johannesburg

21 February 2023

There are many ways to become known and famous outside the environment that becomes our daily life. It has become an instinct that humans are always adaptive and dynamic, being known and famous is a necessity for individuals or humans as social beings. Humans as individuals have the instinct to appear before other individuals and before a group or a community. Introducing yourself and then becoming known by a wider group will have a beneficial impact on individual human goals.

20 February 2023

SƠN LA — Every spring, tourists flock to the northern mountainous region of Sơn La in Việt Nam to bask in the beauty of the region's plum blossoms. During this time, the mountainsides are blanketed in a pure white hue, offering breathtaking landscapes for visitors to enjoy. The picturesque scene can be appreciated along National Highway No. 6 and within the ethnic villages, where small paths and roads are dotted with vibrant blooms.

16 February 2023

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed positive signs of recovery for the South African Travel & Tourism sector with travellers heading back to its major cities. The report, researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as Travel & Tourism’s direct contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend. The results show travellers are returning to cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg with all indicators bouncing back to pre-pandemic levels.

Powering trade through AfCFTA: a People-Driven wholesome Development Agenda

16 February 2023

By eliminating barriers to trade in Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will lift 30 million people from extreme poverty and another 68 million people from moderate poverty. To boost intra-African trade, the continent has embarked on the gradual elimination of tariffs on 90 percent of goods, and the reduction of barriers to trade in services aimed at increasing Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035. The successful implementation of the AfCFTA will lead to the creation of more decent jobs, improved welfare and better quality of life for all citizenry, and sustainable development. Beyond the policy transformation and reforms, the AfCFTA seeks to ensure inclusivity of women and youth, including youth in the rural areas, development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and overall industrialization of the Continent.

Relief aid information for victims of the earthquake in Türkiye

14 February 2023

Following the earthquakes that struck southeastern Türkiye on 6 February 2023, the international community has responded vigilantly and speedily. We are also grateful for the initial response from South Africa through search and rescue teams and canines belonging to NGOs such as Gift of the Givers. Different segments of South African society have mobilized to send in-kind assistance, cash donations, as well as organizing TV and social media pledge lines to raise money for the victims. The South African Government has also been forthcoming in sending aid in terms of medical supplies, etc.

by Sisanda Nkoala, Senior Lecturer, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

13 February 2023

This year marks 100 years since radio was introduced in South Africa, through “the first experimental broadcast at the Railway Headquarters in Johannesburg” on 18 December 1923.

A century on, up to 94% of South Africans over the age of 15 confirmed in a recent survey that they owned a radio set in one form or other.

In a Better Place

China’s economic rebound lifts global growth prospects

By Kirtan Bhana 

Life is fast returning to normal after China optimised its COVID-19-related policy at the end of 2022. People have shown strong interest in travel and other economic activities as they can move freely with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. China’s economy is on course for a robust recovery, which was indicated during the Spring Festival holiday on 21-27 January.